In-form Cannock eye Beeston scalp

AFTER beating rivals Canterbury last week, Cannock continue their Men’s Hockey League Premier Division campaign with a clash against leaders Beeston on Sunday.

Third-placed Cannock won 6-2 against second-placed Canterbury last Saturday, and will be aiming for a similar result when they take on an under-strength Beeston side this Sunday.

The leaders are missing eight of their players who have been called up for international duty at the International Super Series Hockey 9s and Champions’ Trophy in Australia, giving in-form Cannock extra hope of making it six wins from seven matches.

“We will be pretty confident after last week’s victory over Canterbury,” said Cannock captain Ross Hayward, pictured left. “That puts us in a pretty good position and we will be hoping to close the gap at the top.

“We’ve had some new players come in who have gelled really quickly – people like Martin Ebbage, Dave Beckett, Alex Edmondson and Dan Coultas – they’re really making a big contribution now.

“Beeston have a pretty good squad, so there’s no question that it’s going to be a difficult game as local derbies always are. But with them having international players out, it makes it a bit easier for us, but they won’t roll over.”

Canterbury travel to Brooklands Manchester University as they bid to hold on to second spot, while East Grinstead – who climbed into fourth spot following last weekend’s win over Southgate – go to Surbiton.

And in the day’s other Premier Division clash, Reading play host to Hampstead and Westminster.

In-form Oxted entertain Men’s Conference East leaders Holcombe on Saturday evening. The hosts lie fourth, and beat third-placed Bromley and Beckenham last weekend before overhauling St Albans in the Cup the following day.

Second in the Men’s Conference West, Cardiff and UWIC take on third-placed Team Bath Buccaneers on Sunday. The winner could go top of the table depending on the result of the clash between leaders Guildford and Whitchurch.

And in the Men’s Conference North, Leek and University of Durham are both aiming to give their hopes of challenging for promotion a boost when the two sides meet on Sunday.

Meanwhile, leaders Sheffield Hallam entertain Wakefield, and second-placed Bowdon are at home against Khalsa (Warks).